Third generation real estate developer P.B. Odom III and his family are building more than homes in south Oklahoma City. The family is making a real investment in the community through a scholarship fund they established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in 2017.

“We’ve always felt like the best way to build a strong community is through a well-educated population,” said Beth Odom. “We want to help anyone who has the drive to apply for a scholarship, whether it’s a graduating high school student or an adult who wants to finish their degree.”

The scholarship is designed specifically to help students age 45 or younger from south Oklahoma City or Moore earn a college degree. Last year, the family awarded nearly $60,000 to 29 recipients, including Moore High School graduate John Sadler. Thanks to the P.B. Odom III Family Scholarship, John is pursuing a degree in history education at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Thinking about how to pay for college is the most stressful part, especially since I’m the first person in my family to attend college,” John said. “This scholarship helps alleviate that burden and allows me to focus on my studies.”

Moore and south Oklahoma City graduating high school seniors and residents age 45 or younger may apply for the P.B. Odom III Family Scholarship for the 2019-20 academic year at occf.academicworks.com. Application deadline is May 1, 2019.